Chapter 1614: Settled
Chapter 1614: Settled
Among the assembled families, the composition was diverse—widows with one or two children, father-son pairs, couples with children, elderly individuals bereaved of sons in battle, and even the orphans of fallen comrades were present.
In total, there were eleven families, with ten belonging to Qiao Xuan. Led by individuals such as Zheng Sangge, Wu Guan, Liu Changming, and others, the groups included four elderly members and seven orphans.
With construction completed, a pair of neat rows of houses flanked the main courtyard of the manor. Under Qiao Xuan’s guidance and Songshi’s adept management, the decision was made to transform the entire area into a residential zone, allowing for future expansions.
The houses, constructed with green bricks and black tiles, featured courtyard walls exceeding a meter in height. Each courtyard, modest in size, comprised a main house with one light, two dark, and three rooms. Additionally, there were two rooms, one large and one small, providing ample living space.
Zheng Sangge and his companions resided in a more spacious courtyard, boasting larger main rooms, wings, and courtyards compared to the other houses.
Outside the courtyards, saplings of sweet osmanthus, magnolia, and pomegranate, each the size of a copper coin, were planted. Additional flowers and plants would be added when spring arrived.
The roads surrounding the courtyards were meticulously paved with bricks and stones, preventing muddy conditions during rainy days.
A well was strategically placed not far from each family, ensuring convenient access to water.
Vegetable plots designated for each family were situated close to their residences. After discussions led by Songshi, Zheng Sangge, and the others, it was decided to allocate approximately two plots of land to each family for cultivating essential vegetables to sustain their daily needs.
By late November, all the construction of buildings and courtyards had been completed.
As the residents of the dilapidated courtyard arrived at their new homes in carriages, carrying their worn-out luggage, a wave of astonishment swept through them.
Several women couldn’t hold back tears, their emotions mingling between cries and laughter. The children, in contrast, were filled with excitement, running around, screaming, and cheering—unprecedented happiness enveloped them.
This was their new haven, a tidy and pristine abode. As long as they were willing to put in the effort, they could build a life here.
The allure was irresistible—a bright and promising future awaited them, a future brimming with hope.
“This is fantastic! We finally have a proper home.”
“Mom, I love this place so much. I’ll work hard. Let’s stay here forever, okay?”
“Lord Shao and Madam Shao are true Bodhisattvas. We must remember their kindness!”
“Absolutely. Lord Shao and Madam Shao are kind-hearted people. Anyone who wrongs them is not human. We won’t forgive them!”
Zheng Sangge had already assigned living spaces, alleviating any potential conflicts. With joyous hearts, everyone set down their belongings and eagerly inspected their allocated vegetable plots.
Though modest in size, these plots were their own. Painstakingly planned and cultivated, they promised a year’s worth of sustenance.
Warmth filled their hearts. The women wore smiles, already contemplating what to plant in the fields.
The houses were furnished with basic items—beds, cabinets, tables, stools. Additional personal touches would be added over time.
However, immediate necessities like pots, pans, oil, salt, sauce, and vinegar needed attention. Utilizing some remaining funds, Zheng Sangge procured a set for each family. Additionally, he purchased quilts, winter clothes, shoes, socks, and food, ensuring the households were well-equipped for their new beginnings.